Design optimization method for tube and fin latent heat thermal energy storage systems

Ralf Raud; Michael E. Cholette; Soheila Riahi; Frank Bruno; Wasim Saman; Geoffrey Will; Theodore A. Steinberg

doi:10.1016/j.energy.2017.06.013

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Design optimization method for tube and fin latent heat thermal energy storage systems

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Design optimization method for tube and fin latent heat thermal energy storage systems

Ralf Raud, Michael E. Cholette, Soheila Riahi, Frank Bruno, Wasim Saman, Geoffrey Will and Theodore A. Steinberg

Energy, Vol.134, pp.585-594

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.06.013

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Abstract

PCM heat exchanger design

latent heat thermal energy storage system optimizaton

phase change material

thermal energy storage

The search for optimal phase change materials (PCMs) for latent heat thermal energy storage systems (LHTESS) focuses almost exclusively on the properties of the PCM. This neglects the significant contribution of the cost of the containment vessel on the total cost of the LHTESS. Thus, to accurately assess the thermoeconomic performance of various PCMs, the relationship between the cost of the containment vessel and the properties of the PCM must be understood. This paper presents an analytical method for optimizing the design of tube and shell or tube and fin containment vessels for the least cost, subject to geometric and performance constraints. One of the key performance constraints is the time to charge, whose evaluation typically requires computationally expensive simulations which are unsuitable for optimization algorithms. To enable efficient optimization, a novel closed-form approximation of the charge time is developed and validated through numerical simulations. Subsequently, the optimization methodology is used to investigate the relationship between the optimal vessel geometry and configuration, fin properties, PCM properties, and cost of two PCMs. For these PCMs, the use of high thermal conductivity fins is shown to dramatically reduce the total cost of the system. The new methodology is an efficient way to compare the thermoeconomic performance of PCMs as latent heat storage solutions, allowing for the accurate assessment of PCMs.

Details

Title: Design optimization method for tube and fin latent heat thermal energy storage systems
Authors: Ralf Raud (Corresponding Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Michael E. Cholette (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Soheila Riahi (Author) - University of South Australia
Frank Bruno (Author) - University of South Australia
Wasim Saman (Author) - University of South Australia
Geoffrey Will (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Theodore A. Steinberg (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Publication details: Energy, Vol.134, pp.585-594
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2017.06.013
ISSN: 1873-6785
Grant note: Australian Government, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99737997002621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Energy & Fuels; Thermodynamics

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